Hunts’ fears over proposed land ban
NATIONAL TRUST members have been urged to speak up against a hunting ban, while licence changes could also have serious consequences, hunts have warned.
The charity is to discuss a proposal put forward by some members, to ban legal hunting on its land, at its AGM on 21 October.
The Countryside Alliance
(CA) said a ban would mean some hunts would no longer be viable.
“We cannot underestimate the importance of members using their votes to support legal trailhunting on trust land,” said CA head of hunting Polly Portwin.
Masters of Foxhounds Association director Tim Easby told H&H he “hopes common sense will prevail”.
“It seems bizarre, when the National Trust issues licences for a whole raft of things, that people should single out trail-hunting,” he said, adding that hunts which cross trust land must sign licences.
But the charity is changing the
licences, including to state that artificial rather than animal-based scent must be used, and that hunts must post details of meets and contacts for each pack online.
“It’s a pity there was no consultation with hunting associations,” Mr Easby said. “We’re very against details being published, particularly with the number of people wanting to use information in a bad way.”
Mr Easby added that changing to artificial scent will cause issues.
But he said: “We had a very constructive meeting with the National Trust yesterday [24 August] and I’m sure we’ll be able to find a satisfactory outcome.”
Neil Salisbury, secretary of the Central Committee of Fell Packs which comprises Lake District foxhound packs, agreed.
“Using artificial scent would take years for hounds to get used to and mean more accidents; if they don’t stick to the trails, they’re more likely to chase something else,” he told H&H.
“And putting details online; the Lake District is already inundated with these terrorists, masked and armed; this would put tenant farmers and their families at risk.
“We’re meeting with the trust; we can’t sign the licences like this.”
The CA said the changes appeared “to have been made as a direct response to demands from the animal rights movement”.
The trust said its changes will “further safeguard conservation and access on our land”.
A statement added: “We hope our clear, robust, and transparent conditions — which follow a six-month review — will allow participants to enjoy this activity in compatibility with our conservation aims.
“Members will have the opportunity to discuss trail hunting and vote at the AGM.”